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Minister announces appointment of National Education and Training Council Members

Source: Government of South Africa

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has officially announced the appointment of members to the National Education and Training Council (NETC), marking a significant step in shaping the future of South Africa’s basic education system. 

Speaking at the announcement briefing in Pretoria, the Minister said this month, her ministry has operationalised the National Education and Training Council for the first time – a step taken with the support of Cabinet.

The Council, which was first established in terms of the National Education Policy Act of 1996 and its regulations promulgated in 2009, is being activated for the first time. It will serve as an independent advisory body to the Minister on key education policies and reforms, provide inputs on draft national education policy, and report annually to the Minister on its activities. 

Gwarube explained that just 12 days after her appointment as Minister, she addressed Parliament and committed to operationalise the National Education and Training Council to provide expert advice on education policies and reforms in the country.

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“It has been a year of hard work and significant reorientation. I am pleased to inform South Africans that we have delivered on that promise. Today, the NETC will hold its inaugural meeting at the Department of Basic Education’s head office in Pretoria.

“When I assumed this responsibility, I made it clear that South Africa’s basic education system could not continue on the path of incremental adjustments. It needed a decisive shift in strategy, vision and energy,” Gwarube said. 

The new Council will be chaired by Ms Penelope Vinjevold, with members drawn from across academia, civil society, and education management. They include:

  1. Mrs Khathutshelo Onica Dederen.
  2. Dr Xolani Khohliso.
  3. Ms Zanele Mabaso.
  4. Ms Madimetja Dina Mamashela.
  5. Prof Judith McKenzie.
  6. Prof Paulus Jacobus Mentz.
  7. Mr Lebogang Stephen Montjane.
  8. Ms Mmatsetsweu Ruby Motaung.
  9. Prof Nicolette Roberts.
  10. Ms Maite Getrude Rammala.
  11. Ms Marie-Louise Samuels.
  12. Dr Selvia Kista (Mona) Singh.
  13. Dr Glodean Qondile Tintswalo Thani.
  14. Ms Penelope Vinjevold (Chairperson).
  15. Dr Gabrielle Wills.

According to the Minister, the NETC will provide expert advice on pressing issues such as the review of the school resourcing model, assessment and progression requirements, reducing administrative burdens on teachers, and strengthening foundational learning.

In addition, the Council’s advice must give guidance on how to ensure a smooth transition from Early Childhood Care and Education into compulsory Grade R, and on progressively strengthening mother tongue instruction in the early grades.

“Without strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, other reforms cannot succeed. With them, every child has a pathway to learning, opportunity and dignity.

“These tasks are urgent, but they are also interconnected. Together, they represent the core of our mission: to inject quality, equity and resilience into South Africa’s basic education system. 

“The appointment of the National Education and Training Council is more than an administrative milestone. It marks the start of a new era for policymaking in basic education in South Africa,” the Minister said. 

The Minister stressed that the Council will not replace statutory bodies like the Council of Education Ministers or Heads of Education Departments Committee but will serve as an evidence-led advisory structure to supplement their work. She added that it is not a decision-making body. Its role is advisory.

“The Council is designed to strengthen our decision-making. It is a sounding board; a source of evidence, and a forum for testing ideas before they are translated into policy. It is, in short, a mechanism to ensure that our reforms are not only bold, but also smart, equitable, implementable and sustainable,” the Minister said.

In closing, the Minister extended her gratitude to the members of the NETC for their willingness to contribute their expertise and time to this important work.  

“We are wishing you all the best as you convene for your inaugural meeting today. You are entrusted with a responsibility to fearlessly provide advice grounded in evidence and aimed at the best interests of learners. Yours is not the task of government, but the task of knowledge, expertise and wisdom.

“I urge you to approach this responsibility with courage, creativity, and the humility that comes from knowing that millions of children depend on our collective choices,” she said. 

The Minister said the Council’s work officially starts today, bringing with it the responsibility to guarantee that every child in every classroom across all provinces not only has a place in school but also a real opportunity to thrive. – SAnews.gov.za

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‘Safety, dignity and futures’ of SA youth are not for sale

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD), Andries Nel, has called for a united approach to fight human trafficking and the exploitation of young women.

This after the circulation of social media videos – through prominent South African influencers – of controversial and possibly illegal job opportunities in Russia.

The videos circulated by the influencers are targeted at young women between the ages of 18 and 22.

“Let me be clear: these offers are not endorsed by the Government of South Africa. Never rely solely on social media promotions or unsolicited social media advertisements. Always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official channels,” Nel said.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the “desperation created by high levels of youth unemployment, particularly among young women”, which could lead to dangerous situations.

“These vulnerabilities must not be exploited. Government remains committed to creating safe and sustainable employment pathways through initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and skills development programmes,” he said.

Nel emphasised that a ‘whole of society’ approach is required to protect young lives.

“We call upon all sectors of society – government, civil society, business and communities – to work together to protect our youth from predators who seek to profit from their hopes and dreams. 

“The safety, dignity and futures of our young people are not for sale. Human trafficking is a scourge that we must confront with unity, vigilance, and unshakable resolve,” Nel said.

Echoing the Deputy Minister’s sentiments on the dangers of human trafficking, the department relayed the example of some 23 South Africans who were rescued and repatriated from Myanmar in March.

“Before leaving South Africa in 2024, they were lured to the Kingdom of Thailand under false pretences by an employment agency that promised them lucrative jobs that were advertised on various social media platforms. These adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses and other lucrative benefits. 

“Once in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will. The victims were held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar. They were subjected to brutal treatment, intimidation, physical torture and forced labour. They were also compelled to engage in illicit activities, including online scams that targeted individuals worldwide,” the department said.

Before accepting any international offer, use the following channels to verify its authenticity:

  • The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
  • The Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL).
  • The Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
  • The South African Police Service (SAPS).

“It is also imperative that any person taking up a job offer or opportunity overseas must first enquire from the country where the employment is offered as to what the legal travel and legal working requirements are, in respect of that country.

“Trafficking in persons is a reality, with South Africa being regarded as a source, transit and destination country for trafficking in persons. Recent data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has documented a 25% global increase in detected trafficking of victims, with children accounting [for] 38%.

“The department… working with the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP), provincial task teams, and rapid response units established under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 (Act 7 of 2013), continues to strengthen South Africa’s collective response to trafficking in persons.

“Our work includes enhancing investigations and prosecutions of trafficking offences, building cross-border partnerships with international counterparts and expanding public awareness campaigns to alert communities to the methods used by traffickers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mashatile to launch Just Energy Transition initiatives in Johannesburg

Source: Government of South Africa

In his role as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will officially launch the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk, the National JET Skills Advisory Forum and the Multi-Donor Initiative (MDI). 

This event will take place on Friday, 29 August 2025, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Johannesburg. Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela will also be at the launch.

 According to the Deputy President’s Office, these initiatives represent strategic milestones in advancing South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and inclusive economy.

“The launch also forms part of the broader JET skills portfolio, which underscores the country’s commitment to coordinated, multi-sectoral action, involving government, organised labour, business, civil society and development partners. 

“Inclusion of these structures is for the purposes of ensuring that the energy transition is inclusive, equitable and anchored in a demand-driven approach to skills development,” a statement read. 

The upcoming event aims to introduce the key components of the JET Skills governance structure, which includes the JET Skills Desk and the National JET Skills Advisory Forum.

The JET Skills Desk will function as the main coordination hub, located within the Department of Higher Education and Training. Its purpose is to drive integrated skills planning and implementation in line with the country’s energy transition objectives.

On the other hand, the National JET Skills Advisory Forum will serve as a multi-stakeholder platform. It will provide guidance, encourage alignment across various sectors, and promote accountability in delivering the skills necessary for a just transition.

The Presidency said these structures will support the roll out of Skills Development Zones (SDZs), which are localised hubs for focused training and skills development in areas most affected by the energy transition. 

“The SDZs will aim to equip individuals with relevant, demand-responsive skills, while promoting local economic resilience and inclusion.” 

Mashatile will launch the Multi-Donor Initiative (MDI) on that day, which supports the JET Skills Desk. 

This initiative is co-financed by the European Union, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It is implemented under BMZ’s flagship Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E) programme. 

The MDI exemplifies strong international cooperation and South Africa’s commitment to mobilising global and domestic partnerships that support reskilling, upskilling and workforce development to avoid massive job losses.

The official launch also signals South Africa’s readiness to deliver a just, inclusive and demand-responsive energy transition, underpinned by the development of relevant and sustainable skills required by the labour market. – SAnews.gov.za

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Kaspersky highlights changes in cyberthreats landscape across Africa ahead of GITEX Nigeria 2025

Source: APO

According to data from Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za), a global cybersecurity company, Sub-Saharan Africa saw 42.4 million web attacks and 95.6 million on-device attacks detected in the first half of 2025. The region recorded more than a double increase in spyware, 64% more password stealer attacks and 12% more backdoor infections compared with the same period of last year. These statistics are shared ahead of Kaspersky’s participation in GITEX Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/3URexQu), one of the region’s most significant technology events taking place on September 3-4 in Lagos. At the exhibition, the company will share practical advice and deliver workshops aimed at helping businesses and individuals strengthen their defences against these fast-evolving threats. 

In Nigeria in the first half of 2025, Kaspersky security tools blocked more than 1.46 million online attack attempts on users. With these threats (that include phishing scams, exploits, botnets, Remote Desktop Protocol attacks, and Network spoofing such as fake Wi-Fi networks), nearly one in five people in the country (19.9%) were targeted. In the same period, 4.97 million on-device incidents were blocked, where 28.6% of Nigerian users faced malware delivered via infected USB drives, CDs, DVDs, and hidden installers, including ransomware, worms, backdoors, trojans, password stealers, and spyware.  

Kaspersky’s analysis shows a 66% increase in password stealers in Nigeria in H1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, alongside a 53% increase in spyware blocked. Exploits targeting vulnerabilities in applications like Microsoft Office also remain prevalent. Though the overall number of phishing detections decreased by 52%, phishing threats became more targeted, focusing on specific topics, for example, phishing specifically related to financial topics (banks, e-shops, payment systems) was on the rise and grew 46% (Kaspersky recorded over 595 000 detections of finance-related phishing in the country). 

Industrial environments are subject to cyberthreats as well: attacks on 26.5% of ICS (Industrial Control Systems) computers in Nigeria were blocked by Kaspersky solutions in H1 2025. There are likely significant problems with virus and worm threats, especially affecting the construction, ICS engineering and integration, power energy, and biometrics industries. Africa in general has one of the highest rates of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked among regions globally. 

“Every day, more people in Africa and in Nigeria specifically are moving their businesses, banking, and even daily errands online. But with this opportunity comes a challenge. Cybercriminals are also becoming more active, targeting not only big companies and government networks, but also ordinary people, small businesses, and industrial infrastructures we depend on,” says Chris Norton, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Kaspersky.  

Beyond sharing a cybersecurity landscape overview and cybercrime trends across West Africa, Kaspersky will deliver workshops (https://apo-opa.co/47c4nBm) at GITEX Nigeria 2025, which will allow attendees to: 

  • Learn how to use real-time intelligence to monitor, investigate and respond to active threats targeting their organisations. 
  • Explore best practices in building a cyber-aware workforce through tailored trainings. 
  • Get a practical overview of how to secure containerised cloud environments and avoid misconfiguration risks. 
  • Participate in the Kaspersky Interactive Protection Simulation (KIPS) – an interactive game to challenge decision-makers’ perceptions of cybersecurity and find out the typical mistakes companies make when building their cybersecurity. 

“Earlier this month, Kaspersky signed an MoU with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). That agreement is about giving SMEs more knowledge to protect themselves. Our role at GITEX Nigeria builds on that. For us, it is about supporting Nigeria and the broader region so that digital growth goes hand in hand with digital safety,” concludes Chris Norton. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact: 
Nicole Allman 
nicole@inkandco.co.za  

Social Media: 
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4fXL7tB
X: https://apo-opa.co/47LjL7V
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3JBKhqo
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/45XwtOt
Blog: https://apo-opa.co/41SZgCA

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za. 

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Ensuring African viewers get the content they need (By Tracy-Ann van Rooyen)

Source: APO

By Tracy-Ann van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content, Showmax. 

Content users today are living in a multi-platform world, constantly accessing information, entertainment and communication. The content they access shapes their worldview, and to a large extent, their perception of reality.

The strategies that content providers consider starts with a deep understanding of who their audiences are and what they need. It’s not enough to simply entertain—we must deliver content that truly reflects their lived experience. Real engagement comes from knowing not just what viewers want to watch, but also how it’s delivered.

At Showmax, we understand that in a world where viewers are constantly switching between platforms and screens, we need to deliver the right content to the right audiences, where they want it, how they want it, and when they want it.

Sharing content

As a MultiChoice streaming platform, we can share a vast amount of content from our African linear channels. For instance, in West Africa, Africa Magic premiere content is shown either ‘same-time’ or ‘next-day’ on Showmax. We can go live with shows like Idols Nigeria or ‘same-time’ as Mzansi Magic with the upcoming second season of Married at First Sight Mzansi. 

Many global platforms follow a similar approach, but we can further capitalize on our original IP by leveraging homegrown local franchises that can be tailored across Africa. For example, the South African Mommy Club franchise has been successfully adapted in East Africa with Mommy Club Tanzania and Mommy Club Nairobi—the latter launching as the platform’s second most-watched show in its premiere.

Our audiences are curious about content from the continent and localized formats give them easy access. However, we do also understand that Africa is not a homogenous continent, and audiences mostly prefer what is local to them, first.  A sense of Pan-Africanism exists in parallel to the need for hyper-local entertainment.

We have seen this paradox with the award-winning telenovela The River – a South African original – that has also been customised for both East and West Africa, where it has become extremely popular.

All our originals look to deliver locally, but show that they have legs and can travel.

Optimising discovery

Having created the content, though, the next step is optimising it for discovery across several touchpoints which includes the streaming app itself, whether it’s on mobile, web or leanback devices. This involves platform design, as well AI deployment for user insights and recommendations – all geared to helping users find the content they want – often before they even know it!

As a leading player in the African SVOD space, we’ve found that an effective way to compete is to build our local inventory, then secure an additional content pipeline with strong partnerships, while creating a tailored experience for African viewers.

Domestic youth investment

A broad offering balancing movies, series, doccies, sport and kids shows has been a competitive strategy for us, but the data tells us that local is king. We have therefore invested heavily in building the domestic production industry.

We have rich partnerships with the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), bringing talent into the production pipeline, transferring skills, and building the next generation of filmmakers.

Student productions are also a part of the Showmax content offering. We therefore regularly meet with students, identifying opportunities for them in our content mix.   

Africa is a young continent. The UN estimates that 70% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa are under 30. It therefore makes cultural and business sense to empower the young people of today to be the storytellers of the future.

Format innovation

We’ve learnt from our research that communal viewing remains popular among young people. Watch parties – online or in-person – are a thing. They may no longer be watching with family, but they’re building digital communities around the shows and characters they love. They want layered, fast-paced storytelling—and they’re not just watching episodes; they’re engaging with the full ecosystem, from podcasts to short-form content, to stay immersed.

As a streaming service, we understand that we are not TikTok or YouTube, but we must ensure we find ways to extend the viewing experience to capture viewer attention and hold it. We must rely on multiple touchpoints and innovate in how we serve and allow content discovery.

In programming, we focus on building a strong repertoire—diverse shows, studio brands, and genres that drive platform stickiness. It’s about striking the balance: delivering the instant gratification of binge-worthy hits, while sustaining engagement with evergreen favourites audiences return to again and again.

The differentiating factor is not just the content, but how the user engages with it. It must generate talkability that will give storylines and characters longevity across friend groups and social media communities.

The beauty of streaming is that it can offer immediate recommendations, lining up related offerings that are attuned to the user’s tastes.

Partnering for the future

As the platform of choice for the best African stories, we’re making sure we stay ahead of our competitors by partnering with established producers, whilst also finding new talent, incubating it and delivering a rich pipeline of exciting new, locally relevant content.

An ongoing partnership with the Johannesburg Film festival (JFF) offers first-time filmmakers great opportunities to showcase their work, and then find a pan-African audience on Showmax.

Whilst we have many standout films, a callout is BOBO, by Maurice Muendo – a drama about a young woman navigating a missed bursary opportunity and the threat of her family losing their land.

There are further partnership opportunities to be explored with major telcos and ICT providers on the African continent, around how to package content and data offerings. Strategic partnerships are essential to unlock scale and ultimately drive reach, affordability, and audience growth.

Ultimately, Showmax is in the business of African storytelling, and making sure we deliver it to our audiences on demand. We’re forming rich human and technology partnerships to shape the future of storytelling for Africa’s youthful audiences.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

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Over 18000 arrested in police operations 

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 18 634 suspects over the past week – signaling reaffirmation of public safety and the rule of law.

Among those arrested were 3 087 wanted individuals linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, rape, hijacking and armed robbery. According to the police, 131 suspects were arrested for murder 140 for attempted murder and 157 for rape.
Meanwhile, 722 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while 1714 suspects were nabbed for illegal migration offences.

A total of 106 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms.  KwaZulu-Natal led with 32 arrests; Eastern Cape followed with 21 arrests and Gauteng secured 19 arrests. 

Police also arrested 232 suspects for drug trafficking.

The week’s operations also led to the seizure of high-value contraband and dangerous goods,  including 18,882 units of abalone, 180 firearms, and 2 921 rounds of ammunition.  

Meanwhile, SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, led a drug destruction process worth more than R 400 million in Gauteng.

In a separate enforcement operation, on Friday, 22 August 2025, the National Tracking and Tracing Task Team, under Operation Buyisa, seized 226 firearms from a registered private security company after uncovering serious contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000).

Additionally, a coordinated Inter-Provincial Operation led to the arrests of 116 suspects across Frances Baard, Namakwa, and Pixley Ka Seme in the Northern Cape. Major seizures in Colesberg included illicit cigarettes and a truck worth R7.5 million, plus stolen goods and a maroon VW Polo linked to criminal activity. 

Recovered items spanned firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, drugs, alcohol, weapons, and cash. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mpumalanga makes final call for learner admission for 2026 academic year

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

The Mpumalanga Department of Education has reminded all parents and guardians that only three days remain before the deadline for the admission of learners into schools for the 2026 academic year.

Parents are urged to make use of the remaining days to register their children before the deadline of 31 August 2025, at nearby schools. 

Early admission ensures that schools are able to plan adequately for the new academic year and allows teaching and learning to commence smoothly on the very first day of reopening in 2026.

“Education is a fundamental right. Every child deserves a place in school, regardless of their circumstances. I call upon parents to take responsibility and register their children within the set deadline so that together, we can guarantee access to quality education for all,” the MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, said on Wednesday.

The department has issued clear guidelines to schools to ensure that the admission process is fair, transparent and inclusive.

All learners of school-going age must be duly admitted and registered before the closing date.

“No learner may be denied admission at a public school on the grounds that their parents cannot afford school fees or because of differences in religious beliefs. Learners without official documents (such as birth certificates, IDs, study permits or proof of residence) must not be turned away.

“Principals are required to accept alternative proof, such as an affidavit or sworn statement by a parent, caregiver or guardian, and assist families in securing the necessary documents through the relevant government departments,” the department said.

All schools are expected to establish functional admission committees to oversee and manage the process fairly and professionally.

Parents are advised to prioritise admission at schools closest to their homes to minimise travel distances for learners. –SAnews.gov.za

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Woodside Energy Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Bronze Partner on the Heels of Sangomar Crude Delivery and New Reserves Additions

Source: APO


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Global energy company Woodside Energy will participate as a Bronze Partner at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The partnership comes as the company advances upstream growth in West Africa, following the successful startup of the Sangomar Field Development Phase 1, offshore Senegal. 

In February this year, Woodside energy shipped the first cargo of Sangomar crude to Senegal’s national refinery under its Domestic Supply Obligation, marking a key milestone for in-country value creation. The project has also emphasized operational safety, achieving over 30 million working hours without a serios injury, reflecting Woodside’s commitment to safe and sustainable project execution while supporting Senegal’s emerging hydrocarbon sector.  

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.  

The $5 billion first-phase development – delivered in partnership with Senegal’s state-owned Petrosen – achieved first oil last year, marking Senegal’s entry as a new oil producer. Production through the FPSO unit ramped up in less than nine weeks, reaching over 94% capacity by year-end. Both water and gas injection systems have been fully commissioned, with reservoir performance exceeding expectations. Early results have delivered reserves additions of 16.2 million proven barrels of oil equivalent and 15.4 million barrels of oil equivalent proved-plus-probable, underscoring the field’s long-term potential. 

The FPSO – supplied by MODEC – is designed to process 100,000 barrels per day of crude oil and 130 million cubic feet of gas per day, with storage capacity of 1.3 million barrels of crude. Four injector-producer well pairs in the S400 reservoirs have delivered stronger-than-expected results, reducing downside risk, while water injection, initiated in late 2024, is expected to further mitigate reserves this year. 

Looking ahead, Woodside Energy is assessing future-phase development decisions based on 12-24 months of production data, with Phase 2 planning already underway to expand capacity and maximize value creation. The company is also prioritizing local content in Senegal, embedding skills development, supplier participation and knowledge transfer into the project lifecycle. 

What’s more, Terry Gebhardt, Vice President of Exploration, Woodside Energy will feature as a speaker at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025. Bringing over two decades of global exploration experience, Gebhardt represents one of the world’s premier independent energy companies at the continent’s premier industry gathering. 

“Woodside Energy’s Sangomar development demonstrates Africa’s capacity to deliver technically complex deepwater projects with strong returns. Their success underscores the MSGBC Basin’s role in shaping the continent’s upstream future,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Bids Farewell to United Arab Emirates (UAE) President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

Source: APO


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This morning at El Alamein International Airport, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi saw off President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the conclusion of His Highness’s fraternal visit to Egypt. The visit aimed to strengthen the bonds between the two brotherly leaders and emphasize the significance of their ongoing consultations and mutual coordination to serve the interests of the two peoples and enhance security and stability in the region.

President El-Sisi expressed his profound appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, underscoring the profound historical relations that unite Egypt and the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to President El-Sisi and the Egyptian people for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He lauded the continuous progress in relations between the two countries across an array of fields, which reflects a shared destiny and common vision regarding the challenges facing the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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African debt and climate change: how the ICJ’s Vanuatu ruling could be used for broader justice

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

African sovereign debtors in distress face terrible choices. They are often forced to choose between fully paying their creditors and financing the needs of their populations – health, education, renewable energy, water. Discussions with their creditors focus on financial, economic and contractual issues. The environmental and social impacts of their situation are largely excluded from negotiations.

Thanks to the initiative of some Vanuatan law students, this may be about to change.

Vanuatu is a country consisting of small islands in the south Pacific. It has been ranked as one of the countries most affected by climate change, facing threats of rising sea levels and storm surges.

In 2019, a law professor in Vanuatu, Justin Rose, asked his students to propose ways to deal with the climate threat confronting their country.

They suggested that Vanuatu ask the United Nations general assembly to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the international legal obligations of states regarding climate change. They convinced their government to adopt their proposal. They also mobilised international support, saying they wanted to take the world’s biggest problem to the world’s highest court.

In 2023, the UN general assembly agreed to seek the International Court of Justice’s advice on the following two issues:

  • the obligations of states under international law to protect the environment from the impact of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions

  • the legal consequences for states if they fail to meet these obligations and thereby cause significant environmental harm for present and future generations.

The case attracted unprecedented attention. The court received over 150 written submissions. Over 100 states and international organisations made oral presentations in nine days of public hearings. On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice issued a unanimous advisory opinion. It was only the fifth time in its nearly 80-year history to do so.

The court’s opinion was that the obligations of states extend beyond the treaties they have signed and ratified. They also include obligations arising from customary international law. This is the law that states practise out of a sense of legal obligation. It is binding on all states and international organisations, regardless of whether they have signed any applicable treaty.

The rules that matter

The court declared that there are two relevant customary international legal obligations.

The first is a duty to prevent significant harm to the environment. This requires states to exercise due diligence before acting in ways that could cause environmental damage. They must assess both the probability of causing serious harm and the likely extent of any expected impacts.

In making these assessments, states must take into account current binding and non-binding international standards. It also requires states to ensure that companies and individuals subject to their jurisdiction comply with these duties.

The second is a duty to cooperate with other states to protect the environment and to help solve international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian nature. Here, the court opined that a healthy environment is a pre-condition for the enjoyment of human rights. It affects the rights to life, health and livelihoods, and the rights of children, women and indigenous people.

The court, in discussing the second issue, advised that states can be held legally responsible if they do not take all measures within their power to prevent significant environmental harm. It noted that while all states have this duty, its precise contents will vary depending on their capabilities. The critical factor is the effort the states make and not the results they produce.

The debt angle

Although the court’s opinion is only advisory, it is likely to be highly influential. It was informed by a wide range of submissions. It was a unanimous decision of 15 judges who come from 15 countries.

The fact that the court grounded its decision, in part, on customary international environmental and human rights grounds means that it has implications for any state actions that can have significant adverse impacts on climate, the environment and customary human rights.

My work as an international lawyer working on sovereign debt and development finance convinces me that this includes the renegotiation or restructuring of African debt.

Whatever action African sovereign debtors take to deal with their debt crisis will affect their ability to manage their greenhouse gas emissions. It will also affect their ability to deliver on their obligations to their citizens’ rights. These include the rights to life, health and livelihoods.

This suggests that African sovereign debtors and their creditors need to understand the environmental and climate impacts of their transactions.

They must also work together to resolve their transactions’ negative environmental, social, economic and cultural impacts. Their respective responsibilities will differ depending on their capabilities.

The International Court of Justice opinion may therefore offer new opportunities to make debtor and creditor states, and creditor institutions, accept responsibility for the environmental and social impacts of their actions.

Three possible avenues for relief

There could be at least three ways to relate the climate opinion to debt.

First, the debtor and its stakeholders can use the decision to bolster their arguments for including the environmental and social impacts of debt in their negotiations. They can point out that the debtor state cannot avoid international legal responsibility for the effects of the transaction on its greenhouse gas emissions and on the human rights of its citizens.

They can also point out that its creditors and their home states also have a legal obligation to assess these impacts and cooperate in managing them.

Second, the stakeholders can remind both the sovereign debtor and its creditors about the content of their international legal responsibilities. There are international norms and standards that can help establish that content.

Some of them are:

In addition, there are many private financial institutions that have human rights and environmental and social policies that often specifically refer to these international standards.

Third, drawing inspiration from the Vanuatu law students, activists around the world can use the judgment to strengthen their arguments. They can say that creditor and debtor states have an international legal duty to prevent significant harm to the environment and to cooperate to protect the environment. This duty extends to ensuring that companies and individuals subject to their jurisdiction act in conformity with these duties. They can be held legally responsible for failing to comply with these duties.

Finally, there are international mechanisms that non-state actors can use to hold debtors and creditors accountable for failing to perform their duties. These include the National Contact Points. These exist in each state that has signed on to the OECD Principles of Responsible Conduct for Multinational Enterprises. Another possibility is the independent accountability mechanisms in the multilateral development banks.

There are also the courts in the growing number of states in which governments, central banks and private actors have been sued for violating their obligations to climate change.

States and financial institutions, of course, can avoid these consequences by respecting the court’s opinion and developing ways of managing African sovereign debt that comply with its international legal advice.

– African debt and climate change: how the ICJ’s Vanuatu ruling could be used for broader justice
– https://theconversation.com/african-debt-and-climate-change-how-the-icjs-vanuatu-ruling-could-be-used-for-broader-justice-263859